Barcelona player ratings at the half-way point of the season

Barcelona player ratings at the half-way point of the season

The 4-0 win at Eibar marked the halfway point of the league campaign, so here are SPORT's grades so far for each of the squad

Ter Stegen 8 - In his first year as undoubted No 1 he started with some doubts but has become extremely solid.

Jasper Cillessen 7 - Has made no big errors and is doing well with his feet.

Jordi Masip N/A - Unused.

Sergi Roberto 7.5 - Benefitting from Aleix Vidal's situation, part of the Gala XI. Needs to do better in defence, some great shows in attack. 

Aleix Vidal 6 - Was snubbed for months but recently back in the side and doing a lot better than he has done before.

Gerard Pique 10 - One of the best defenders in the world and is showing it. Spectacular on the pitch, and a leader off it. No armband but leads the dressing room and is an idol for fans.

Samuel Umtiti 10 - At 23 he has stunned by how mature he is. On the pitch has been hugely reliable, fast, good positioning, wins 50-50s, and is extremely secure.

Javier Mascherano 8 - Umtiti's arrival has put his starting position in doubt, but few can doubt he is still doing well. Plays each game like it's his last. 

Jeremy Mathieu 5 - Spent most of it injured, and is Luis Enrique's fourth choice when not. Can still be useful as he showed against Eibar. 

Jordi Alba 8 - One of the best attacking partners for Leo Messi because of his constant excursions up the left flank, while in defence his speed makes him vital. Injuries are his main enemy.

Lucas Digne 7 - The Frenchman has played 18 games, showing that without being first choice he can still have a big role - Alba has played just 90 odd minutes more. Does not complicate things in his own half and is fast, enjoys going forward, similar to Alba.

Sergio Busquets 7.5 - Has no natural replacement. Is a thermometer for the team. Busquets is who suffers most when the team is playing messily. Cannot hide in his position.

Ivan Rakitic 6 - The Croat always has the confidence of Luis Enrique but has lost prominence recently, appearing fatigued. Only the coach knows exactly what's going on.

Denis Suarez 7 - The Galician who scored against Eibar his first goal in Blaugrana, is a special player. He generates a lot of danger from nothing. Perhaps because of this Lucho likes using him to change things in the second half. 

Andres Iniesta 9 - Barcelona are so different without him. He is irreplacable. Fundamental in creation of play and vital in the attacking zone to get past stubborn defences. 

Arda Turan 8 - The Turk is growing day to day and has jumped up a level higher than he did last season. Despite his good numbers still isn't quite the player he was at Atletico.

Rafinha 7 - Has lacked a regular game. When it's not rotation, it's injury. However Lucho likes him and the players' attacking instincts are the reason why. He has six goals already.

Andre Gomes 6.5 - 35m euros fixed and 20m in variables add to the pressure on the Portuguese. If he had cost half, Cules would look at him more favourably. He needs to offer more, but like Rakitic showed, it can take a while to adapt.

Neymar 8.5 - The Brazilian started the season below his level but is doing very well in 2017. His numbers could be improved but what he offers the team is as good as ever when it comes to unbalancing defences. 

Luis Suarez 9 - The Uruguayan doesn't care if it's 0-0 or 15-0, he just wants to fight for the ball and score. He has 19 goals and 9 assists in 27 games.

Leo Messi 10 - THere are no more words to define Leo. Put what you like, historic, unmatchable... you just have to watch him play. The best player in history is still doing his thing. As well as 28 goals and 9 assists in 28 games, his magic shines through whenever he touches the ball. 

Paco Alcacer 6 - Although after multiple occasions he eventually scored his first Barcelona goal, things are still not going well for him. Has not had a lot of chances, but if he keeps fighting sooner or later his moment of glory will come.